Take on Yellowstone River whitewater in a nimble small raft
2–3 hrs
2 to 3 people
Guide, river gear, transportation
Paddle through the heart of Yellowstone River whitewater in a small raft built for a more responsive ride. Take on waves and turns with a guide for a hands-on rafting challenge.
Allow about 3-4 hours from parking to pulling out heading on your way.
Trips typically run rain or shine. If the operator cancels due to weather, you may reschedule or receive a refund.
Product ID: 9JZJSX
Dress to get wet. May–June and late September: wear a swimsuit under the provided wetsuit; you can also use a splash jacket and neoprene booties. July–early September: wear lightweight shorts/pants and a T-shirt (a swimsuit underneath works well). Avoid jeans, sweat suits, or heavy cotton, and don’t wear sandals without a back strap.
Keep total guest weight per boat at 525 pounds or less. You must fit in a personal flotation device up to a 56-inch chest size, have basic mobility, be in reasonably good physical condition, and follow guide directions.
Pregnant women aren’t permitted on trips. If you have health concerns, consult a physician before booking.
Montana Whitewater's Gardiner - Yellowstone River Office, 603 Scott Street West, Gardiner, MT 59030
Guides like Josie, Jordan, Emily, Ingram, and the ziplining duo Gecko and Slayer come up again and again in reviews, and for good reason. Travelers consistently praise them for balancing safety with genuine fun, sharing local knowledge, and keeping energy high throughout the trip. First-timers seem especially well taken care of, with multiple people noting they felt nervous going in and completely at ease by the end. Both rafting and ziplining get strong marks, though a few rafters on calmer stretches noted the experience leaned more toward a scenic float than a thrill ride. That said, even those reviewers walked away happy. The scenery, wildlife sightings, and knowledgeable guides tend to carry the experience regardless of water levels or conditions. One reviewer did mention a slightly cooler front desk interaction on a return visit, though that appears to be the exception rather than the rule. The overwhelming pattern here is a well-organized, professionally run operation where the staff genuinely seem to enjoy their jobs. If you are spending time near Yellowstone and want an outdoor experience that delivers on both adventure and atmosphere, this one is worth booking.
Great experience ziplining with Montana Whitewater Rafting. Gray and Colby were amazing! Skilled, knowledgeable and a ton of fun. Highly recommend!!
Donna Taylor
September 2, 2026
Great experience ziplining with Montana Whitewater Rafting. Gray and Colby were amazing! Skilled, knowledgeable and a ton of fun. Highly recommend!!
Donna Taylor
September 2, 2026
Search Yellowstone's morning landscape with a guide and provided optics
Search Lamar Valley for Yellowstone wildlife as dusk settles
Customize a private Yellowstone wildlife day around your interests
Scan Yellowstone's Northern Range with a naturalist guide and provided optics
Float the Yellowstone River with your group in a guide-rowed raft
Paddle Class I–III rapids, picnic on Lunch Island, and enter Yankee Jim Canyon